He emphasized that the government remains equally committed to building systems that empower survivors of trafficking—restoring their dignity, offering hope, and creating opportunities for reintegration into society.

Minister Kruah’s statement was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister for Planning and Manpower Development, Hon. Steve Kolubah, at the opening of a five-day National Stakeholders’ Working Session for the development of Liberia’s National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The session, convened by the Government of Liberia through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, with support from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), is being held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, from September 15–19, 2025.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Minister Kruah noted that the formulation of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2025–2029) represents a defining milestone in the country’s anti-trafficking efforts.

“Over the years, Liberia has made substantial progress in prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership—progress made possible through the collective commitment of government institutions, civil society, international partners, and local communities,” he stressed.

However, the Minister cautioned that the threat of trafficking remains both real and evolving, requiring renewed dedication and stronger, more coordinated actions.

“The Third National Action Plan is not just a policy document—it is a roadmap that will guide Liberia’s response to trafficking over the next five years,” he stated. “Our interventions will be strategic, victim-centered, evidence-based, and well-coordinated to address both current and emerging challenges.”

Minister Kruah assured participants of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce’s commitment to ensuring that the plan reflects realities on the ground, strengthens national and international collaboration, and reinforces Liberia’s resolve to combat trafficking in all its forms.

He concluded with a call to action: “I therefore urge all stakeholders—government institutions, security agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders—to contribute meaningfully to this process. Your expertise, perspectives, and recommendations are critical to ensuring that the National Action Plan we produce is both inclusive and actionable.”

Also speaking, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Colonel Gregory Coleman, emphasized that national security agencies take the issue of trafficking in persons seriously. He stated that there are numerous issues that all stakeholders must work together to address.

He informed participants that trafficking in persons is a modern form of slavery: “It is a very clever attempt to change how it was done yesterday, and the actors are smart—they are changing their tactics on a daily basis.”

IG Coleman further noted that even investigators are being seriously challenged in understanding current trends. “The front lines are getting tailor-made, and it makes it even more difficult to identify and respond to trafficking activities,” he said.

He added that the development of the Third National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons in Liberia is of great significance to the government and the people of Liberia.

“It is an opportunity for actors to reflect on their roles and consider incorporating all necessary elements—not just for this effort, but also in connection to the ARREST Agenda and the National Security Strategy. All law enforcement bodies must align their strategic plans so that combating trafficking remains a primary focus as activities are rolled out over the next few years,” he stressed.

In a brief remark, the Senior Justice Advisor at the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Abubakr I. Zaid, reaffirmed the collective commitment to ending human trafficking, noting, “The development of the Action Plan marks a pivotal moment for everyone, and we need to ensure that it is successful.”

He added that it is not just a document—it is a roadmap that lays out a comprehensive framework, and all stakeholders must ensure that it meets its objectives.

For her part, the Country Manager of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Madam Chinyelumugo Okoh, highlighted the importance of the event and the five-day deliberation on the “4 Ps” of human trafficking: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

The session is being attended by members of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia, international and local partners—including the U.S. Embassy, ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), IDLO—as well as civil society organizations and Labour Commissioners from the fifteen counties of Liberia.

The post National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce Commences Development of 3rd National Action Plan first appeared on OK FM.

The House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during its 19th-day sitting of the 2nd Quarter, 2nd Session, after adopting a report from the Joint Committee on Education, Public Administration, and Judiciary.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

· The MVTC will be upgraded and renamed the Monrovia University of Science and Technical Education (MUSTE).

· A three-year phased implementation plan will guide the transition process.

· The university will offer associate degrees and advanced certifications and create multiple career pathways in science and technical fields.

· MUSTE is required to submit a transition and compliance plan to the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) within six months of the law’s enactment.

· The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has been mandated to provide special budgetary support starting FY 2026.

· A University Council—comprising representatives from government, academia, civil society, and industry—will oversee the transformation.

· New academic programs will include industrial engineering, applied sciences, and technical teacher education.

Rep Kanneh, who also chairs the House Committee on Executive, expressed gratitude to his fellow lawmakers for their support, describing the bill’s passage as a major victory for Liberian youth and the broader goal of educational reform.

“The creation of MUSTE will provide a perfect learning environment for our youth and create opportunities for technical and career advancement,” Kanneh stated.

According to the Chair of the Committee on Education and Public Administration, the transformation of MVTC into MUSTE represents a new era for technical education in Liberia and a significant step toward national development.

“This is a historic step for education in Liberia,” the Chair said. “With proper oversight and investment, MUSTE will become a national center of excellence in science and technical training, producing the skilled professionals needed to drive Liberia’s industrial and economic growth.”

The bill now awaits Senate concurrence to become law.

Rep. Sekou Kanneh Urges Senate Concurrence on Bill to Transform MVTC into Technical University

Montserrado County District #2 Representative, Sekou S. Kanneh, is calling on the Liberian Senate to concur with the House of Representatives on the passage of a landmark educational bill aimed at transforming the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) into a full-fledged university.

The House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during its 19th-day sitting of the 2nd Quarter, 2nd Session, after adopting a report from the Joint Committee on Education, Public Administration, and Judiciary.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

· The MVTC will be upgraded and renamed the Monrovia University of Science and Technical Education (MUSTE).

· A three-year phased implementation plan will guide the transition process.

· The university will offer associate degrees and advanced certifications and create multiple career pathways in science and technical fields.

· MUSTE is required to submit a transition and compliance plan to the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) within six months of the law’s enactment.

· The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has been mandated to provide special budgetary support starting FY 2026.

· A University Council—comprising representatives from government, academia, civil society, and industry—will oversee the transformation.

· New academic programs will include industrial engineering, applied sciences, and technical teacher education.

Rep. Kanneh, who also chairs the House Committee on Executive, expressed gratitude to his fellow lawmakers for their support, describing the bill’s passage as a major victory for Liberian youth and the broader goal of educational reform.

“The creation of MUSTE will provide a perfect learning environment for our youth and create opportunities for technical and career advancement,” Kanneh stated.

According to the Chair of the Committee on Education and Public Administration, the transformation of MVTC into MUSTE represents a new era for technical education in Liberia and a significant step toward national development.

“This is a historic step for education in Liberia,” the Chair said. “With proper oversight and investment, MUSTE will become a national center of excellence in science and technical training, producing the skilled professionals needed to drive Liberia’s industrial and economic growth.”

The bill now awaits Senate concurrence to become law.

The post Rep. Sekou Kanneh Urges Senate Concurrence on Bill to Transform MVTC into Technical University first appeared on OK FM.

Speaking to this station over the weekend, Mr. Turay, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Liberation Liberia, highlighted the steady progress being made in the cocoa sector. He noted a significant increase in the volume of cocoa exported from Liberia to the international market—a development that is directly benefiting local farmers.

“There has been a serious boost in the quantity of cocoa being shipped out of Liberia, and this is translating into tangible dividends for farmers across the country,” Sheikh Turay stated.

According to him, the government of Liberia, in collaboration with international partners, has intensified support to cocoa farmers. This growing investment has drawn more Liberians into cocoa farming, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods, especially in rural communities.

Turay emphasized that exporters and farmers are working closely with the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) to ensure that the country’s cocoa meets regional and international standards.

He identified Grand Gedeh, Nimba, and Lofa counties as the new “melting pots” for cocoa production in Liberia. These areas, he said, are now attracting attention from neighboring countries and international stakeholders due to the improved quality of beans being produced there.

“For years, cocoa from Liberia was largely unknown for its quality,” Turay noted. “It was often processed in bulk without traceable origins. Many exporters wanted to improve the quality of Liberian cocoa but lacked the technical know-how.”

However, with technical and logistical support from the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), Liberia has taken significant steps toward producing premium-grade cocoa that meets European market standards.

“Higher quality means better market value,” he added. “This directly leads to higher incomes for our farmers and workers, which helps transform entire communities.”

The cocoa sector, once dormant due to the civil crisis, is now experiencing renewed growth, positioning Liberia as an emerging player in the West African cocoa trade.

The post Liberia Aims to Regain Prewar Status in Global Cocoa Industry — Cocoa Exporters President first appeared on OK FM.